This summer, pop singer Camila Cabello released her fourth studio album C,XOXO. The album draws inspiration from the singer’s upbringing in Miami, Florida, revealing to her audience elements of the city that are unknown to outsiders. In September, Cabello released the deluxe edition, C,XOXO – Magic City Edition, featuring four extra songs furthering her exploration of Miami and its sounds.
Downtown Miami
According to Cabello, the singer took great inspiration from Drake. The rapper, who frequently mentions Miami in his music and lived in the city for years, is featured on the album’s “HOT UPTOWN” and sings solo on “Uuugly.” Additionally, the audience can hear his clear influence in other songs on the album, such as “Come Show Me” and “Chanel No. 5,” through Cabello’s cadence and writing. These songs represent the flashing moments and bright lights of Downtown Miami. The stripped-down honesty and shimmering imagery of the lyrics as well as the fast-paced delivery capture the feelings of driving into Downtown Miami for a night out; excited to see where the city will take you and knowing that truly understanding Downtown Miami means never knowing what to expect.
Little Havana
Having been born in Cuba and leaving to Miami at the age of seven, it is clear these feelings of loss and the past are woven into Cabello’s music. This is most evident in the album’s “Twentysomethings,” “305tilidie,” “B.O.A.T.,” and “GODSPEED.” “Twentysomethings” and “GODSPEED” discuss the process of leaving a place or situation, as well as seeking comfort in something new, similar to her own departure from her home country to Miami, which became her new home. “305tilidie” and “B.O.A.T.” reference Miami either through lyrics or through sampling of Pitbull’s “Hotel Motel.” Both also revolve around themes of a place or person leaving a lasting feeling. Little Havana is a representation of Cuba’s capital through the restaurants, music, art and people it opens its arms to from all over the world. This neighborhood personifies the eternal impression Cuba has left on the people of Miami.
South Beach & Biscayne Boulevard
“Dade-County Dreaming” references places all over Miami, from Biscayne Boulevard to Collins Avenue in Miami Beach. The song captures the soul of these neighborhoods, through its imagery of particular cars and places to different people’s personalities that can only be found in Miami. “HE KNOWS,” “I LUV IT,” and “can friends kiss?” further encapsulate the feelings of chos, confidence and authenticity revealed in “Dade-County Dreaming.” All of these feelings are at the core of Miami’s South Beach and Biscayne Boulevard neighborhoods.
For more celebrity-related goodies, check out Miami…Are You Ready for It?
